Helen Virginia Simmons DeBerry

Mrs. DeBerry was born on September 23, 1922 in Roanoke Rapids, NC to David and Pearlie Simmons. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Earl DeBerry; her parents; and her four brothers, Shernon Jones, L. C. Jones, Curtis Jones, Sam Jones and Carl Jones, all of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

She worked at Corning Glass for 26 years, where she made many lifelong friends.

She enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and doing word searches. She had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs and loved feeding the birds and squirrels in her yard. She will be remembered for putting others before herself.

Mrs. DeBerry leaves behind her five sons, Jackie and wife Lorena, Don and wife Julia, Jimmy, Delbert and wife Patty, and Ricky, all of the Raleigh area; and one daughter, Lillie Anderson and husband David, of Tarboro. She also is survived by her three sisters, Lois Arwood, Ruby Thompson and Priscilla Downie, all of Roanoke Rapids, NC. She will also be lovingly remembered by her 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and so many other loving friends and family.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hillside Nursing Center, especially Alexandra and Margie, and Transitions LifeCare for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers charitable contributions may be made to the hospice organization, Transitions LifeCare, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or to your local SPCA.

Visitation will be at 2:00 on Tuesday, March 24 from the mausoleum chapel at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. A graveside service will be held at the same location at 3:00. The service will be conducted by Zachary Campbell, great grandson of Mrs. DeBerry.